WATT'S UP?!

After re-vamping my cosmetic bag I decided that I need to take more care with my make up products and begin to invest in some high quality pieces. I am sucker for sticking to certain brands that suit me well and not experimenting. However, I have promised myself that every month from now on I plan to indulge in a new fresh piece. This months buy is Benefits new Watt's Up Highlighter cream stick.

The product- notice the soft tones

I have been searching for a while for a highlighter which is versatile enough to suit my everyday regime, but also to be used into the evening or for a night out. Primarily I wanted something which is simple to apply- I tried to steer away from a liquid  (as I am pretty bad with blending evenly) , so when I discovered benefit's new product I was delighted. The champagne tones compliment my ivory skin tone, but adapts well with tanned/golden skin (as I tend to get a tad 'fake tan' happy sometimes).  The soft focus highlighter is so easy to apply because its basically just a stick that smooths over the areas where you want a luminous glow- usually below the brow, on the tip of the nose and above the cheek bones.- there is also a soft sponge blender to make sure it is evenly distributed on the skin. The great thing is that it is really durable, unlike other highlighters I have used, it stays all day!

Watt's Up retails at £24.50 for 9.4g, but it's totally worth it to achieve that dewy, healthy glow! Check out Benefit Cosmetics site to read more reviews on the product or to make a cheeky purchase... You won't regret it!!

 Wearing Watt's Up

NOTHING TO REPORT

Nothing to report today apart from I have just finished a ten and a half hour shift and I am very tired. I now plan to get into bed and not wake up until tomorrow morning. zzz.

GRADUATION TIMES TWO

Today I ventured out to Lincoln with my family, for my sisters graduation. Although she is only two years older than me she has managed to complete a degree in primary education and finish her PGCE whilst I am still deciding what to do.  The ceremony was beautiful, it is held at Lincoln Cathedral. I couldn't help thinking about how much it reminded me of Hogwarts, as all the deans, tutors and graduates wondering around the grounds in their brightly coloured robes and hats. During the ceremony the principal of the university spoke and mentioned a quote which I really found inspiring- it went something like this: 'we are not human beings leading a spiritual life, we are spiritual beings experiencing a human life'.  I love this perspective on humanity and thought I'd share...

However, on a lighter note, below a couple of photos from the day. I decided on wearing a classic Topshop dress in beige with pleated detail, teamed with a 3/4 sleeved fitted black blazer, tights and lace up pumps. I added a skinny black patent belt and an over sized bag to add a slightly more casual feel to the outfit. Dominique wore a black skater dress and her robes and still managed to look as gorgeous as usual!

lincoln cathedral

me & dominique

PRETTY AND EMBELLISHED

I wear a lot of plain tees and I wanted a simple way to enhance my everyday causal look . Whilst sale shopping the other day I came across this fantastic embellished collar for only £4.60 (I used my student discount). As I am pretty poor this month I grabbed it and took it to the nearest checkout to claim it as mine- the detail in the peter pan style collar is exceptionally good for the price tag.

I have styled it with a simple black tee from topshop, it instantly adds glamour. I've got to say I'm pretty impressed with my bargain buy, buy yours too from http://www.missselfridge.com. I know I'll definitely be looking out for similar styles in the future.

GETTING STARTED IS MUCH HARDER THAN IT SEEMS

I have been meaning to begin my blog for several weeks now but have been actively putting it to the bottom of my 'to do list'. However on this very rainy, typically British summers evening I have decided to start. I find it awkward at first knowing how to fill this very large box with something unique and interesting to say about myself, but I guess the point is that I am quite ordinary. I'm currently working full time, saving for the year ahead back at university (which is one of my favourite places in the UK) where I know I will spend half of the money I save on alcohol and food, and the other half shopping. In June after I got back from an amazing holiday in Egypt, I was poorly and feeling sorry myself- in this time I began to think about what I wanted to progress to be after uni. This is when I started to get very anxious about the upcoming year back at Trent, I had a very forboding sense that Multimedia was not for me, from here I thought long and hard (for days on end) and discussed with my family what my options could be. I know I am a creative person, I adore colour and anything visual. Undoubtely my passion is fashion- (excuse the pun), anything to do with the design, to merchandising to the history behind a brand, and I knew I should do my best to follow this urge to achieve in this area. I have switched to Fashion Marketing and Branding, which has a balance of academic writing, business strategy's behind fashion companies and visuals. Over the next three years my blog will be a journal of my thoughts and depict a reflection of my time studying.. Although it seems as though I have taken a step back, I feel that in fact I have taken two leaps forward in the right direction... and I guess there is nothing wrong with becoming a fresher again.